Peter George Peterson

Date of Birth: June 5, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 20, 2018

Biography

Peter George Peterson, known as Pete Peterson, was an influential American businessman, investment banker, and government official. He co-founded the private equity firm Blackstone Group and served as the United States Secretary of Commerce from 1972 to 1973 under President Richard Nixon. Born into a Greek immigrant family in Kearney, Nebraska, Peterson rose to prominence through his sharp business acumen and dedication to fiscal responsibility. He was a staunch advocate for addressing the national debt and founded the Peter G. Peterson Foundation to promote fiscal sustainability. Peterson’s career spanned various industries, including advertising, publishing, and investment banking, making him one of the most versatile and respected figures in American business.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter George Peterson

1. Peter Peterson co-founded Blackstone Group with Stephen Schwarzman in 1985, which became one of the largest private equity firms in the world.

2. He served as the Chairman and CEO of Lehman Brothers before its merger with Shearson/American Express.

3. Peterson was a strong advocate for addressing the U.S. national debt and authored several books on the subject, including “Running on Empty” and “The Education of an American Dreamer.”

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for his contributions to business and public policy.

5. Peterson was a major philanthropist, donating over $1 billion to various causes through his foundation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter George Peterson

1. “I’ve spent my life trying to figure out how to solve problems.”

2. “We are living beyond our means. And we are borrowing against our children’s future.”

3. “The challenge of the next century will be to make our democracy work with a much more diverse America.”

4. “Fiscal responsibility is not just a financial issue; it’s a moral issue.”

5. “The most important thing in business and life is to learn to think on your feet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Peter G. Peterson’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 billion.

Children

Peter G. Peterson had five children: John, Jim, David, Holly, and Michael. He shared his family life with his first wife, Sally Hornbogen, and later with his second wife, Joan Ganz Cooney, the co-founder of Sesame Workshop.